The financial burden of autism spectrum disorder

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Abstract

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is growing yearly with one in eight children receiving an ASD diagnosis, and rates are predicted to increase. Many children with ASD have other comorbid disorders causing an increased dependence on the health care system and several studies have shown that total health care expenditures for children with ASD were higher than for other disorders. Although we know children with ASD spend more on health care services, there is little evidence examining the financial impact these families experience compared to families of children with other special health care needs (CSHCN). This study examines how health system and coverage inadequacies impact families of children of ASD compared with families of CSHCN.